Cover photo for John Smith Baker's Obituary
John Smith Baker Profile Photo
1942 John 2020

John Smith Baker

August 31, 1942 — August 21, 2020

John Baker's Obituary:

All the fish can sleep well because John Baker has gone on to fish Heavenly bodies of water. John Smith Baker passed away on August 21st, 2020 of complications from Lewy Body Dementia. John was born on August 31st, 1942 to Raymond and Avis Baker. He grew up in Springfield, Missouri and graduated from Hillcrest High School.
In 1961, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and served until 1967. John graduated from Southwestern Missouri State (Missouri State University) with a degree in accounting. In 1968, John married Ann (Gambill) Baker. They had one child, Gregg Baker. Years later, John and Ann divorced but remained friends until the end. John worked 32 years for the USDA, Forest Service. He retired from his position as Branch Chief of Financial Management in the National office at Washington, D.C. in 1998. John has lived in Missoula, Mt since his retirement.
John's favorite things to do were fish with his son, phone calls with his mother, hunting, golfing, and he loved watching the Griz Football and Basketball games. John was an amazing fly tier and was meticulous about details. He enjoyed driving back and forth from Missoula to Springfield to visit his family and stopping to fish along the way. He was a longtime member of Trout Unlimited. He also loved spending time outdoors walking, hiking and watching nature. John had a strong faith in God and loved reading his bible and studying the Word. John lived out his faith through the selfless way he gave of his time, talents and treasures to other people and his Church. He was a truly kind spirited gentleman with a dry sense of humour.
John was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Avis Baker of Springfield, MO. John is survived by his son, Gregg Baker, daughter-in-law Lisa Baker, his grand-daughter, Kaleigh Christopher, Twin sisters, Ann Vogel (Charlie), Nan Smith (Ben) and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was well cared for by his devoted care-taker Jan Hinman.
The family will be having a tribute ceremony to celebrate John's life at a later date. If you would like to pay tribute to John, please take your fishing rod and head out to your favorite fishing hole. Perhaps you will catch a big one and a glimpse of John's spirit smiling with you.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Smith Baker, please visit our flower store.

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